Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Me More Than Others?

If you’ve ever stepped outside in Manakin Sabot and walked away covered in mosquito bites, you might wonder: “are mosquitoes biting me more than others?”

Believe it or not, this is not in your head. In fact, some people really are more appealing to mosquitoes than others. And while the science is by no means settled, researchers have figured out a few reasons why you might be the one getting singled out.

According to a recent article from Harvard Medical School, here are some reasons why mosquitoes might be gravitating toward you—and what you can do about it.

1. Mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents.

Mosquitoes rely on scent to find their next meal. Each person’s body releases a unique combination of skin compounds, including lactic acid, ammonia, and other substances influenced by genetics, diet, and even the bacteria that live on your skin.

According to Harvard Medical School, this natural scent profile is one of the biggest reasons some people get bitten more than others. It’s not something you can smell yourself, nor is it something you can change with soap or perfume. Your chemical makeup makes you more or less attractive to mosquitoes, and if you’re on the unlucky end of that spectrum, bites will come more often.

While you can’t change your genes, you can avoid adding to your appeal. Fragranced lotions, scented deodorants, and certain laundry detergents may amplify your natural scent and attract even more mosquitoes.

2. Certain blood types attract mosquitoes.

Studies have found that mosquitoes may land on people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as those with Type A. The evidence isn’t universal, but it’s strong enough that researchers keep testing the theory.

How would mosquitoes even know your blood type before biting? As it turns out, about 85% of people secrete chemical markers through their skin that correlate with their blood type. That means mosquitoes can “sniff out” what they’re in for, and if you’re in the Type O category, they might be more likely to choose you.

Of course, your blood type isn’t something you can change, but knowing you’re a preferred target can help you take extra precautions.

3. Mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is mosquito catnip. It’s one of their primary cues for finding a host, and the more you exhale, the more visible you are on their radar. People who breathe heavily—like those who are exercising, overweight, or simply larger in size—tend to exhale more CO₂ and draw more attention from nearby mosquitoes.

This is also why mosquitoes tend to zero in on your face, neck, and upper body. Those are all areas that are closer to your breath. And when you’re outside in humid, still air, your CO₂ plume hangs around longer, making you even easier to find.

Scientists are quick to point out that choosing not to breathe is a bad idea. But if you’re relaxing outdoors after a workout or hiking in the woods, take note: you’re a prime target. Cool off, change into fresh clothes, and consider sitting near a fan to help disperse the CO₂ cloud around you.

4. You’re wearing the wrong clothes.

You may be dressing for comfort or style, but you could also be dressing like mosquito bait. Dark colors like black, navy, red, and deep purple absorb more heat and stand out more starkly against the horizon. Mosquitoes use visual cues to spot movement and contrast. The darker your clothing, the easier you are to track.

And it’s not just color. Tight, thin fabrics like yoga pants or athletic wear do little to protect against bites. Mosquitoes have needle-like mouth parts that can pierce through most clothing unless it’s thick, loose, or treated with repellent.

If you’re headed outside during peak mosquito hours (dawn or dusk), go for light colors and looser clothing that covers arms and legs. Even better, wear fabrics treated with permethrin or other EPA-registered repellents for an extra layer of protection.

5. You’re not treating your yard.

The real problem might be outside. If you’ve got standing water, overgrown shrubs, or dense vegetation, you’re giving mosquitoes a place to breed and hide.

That’s where Mosquito Squad of Central Virginia comes in. Our Barrier Treatment Plus targets mosquito habitats with a proprietary blend of essential oils. It reduces mosquitoes by up to 90% and continues working for up to 21 days. After the initial application, we then come back every three weeks to reapply and keep coverage consistent.

If mosquitoes won’t leave you alone, we’re here to help take back your yard. Reach out to Mosquito Squad of Central VA for long-lasting mosquito control treatments with no long-lasting contracts or hidden fees.

For dependable mosquito control near you in Mankain Sabot, call on the professionals at Mosquito Squad. Call (804) 409-2710 or contact us online for a free assessment and quote.

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